Meerut, March 4 -- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has informed the Central Information Commission (CIC) that it possesses no records indicating whether the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal was built after demolishing an earlier structure or on vacant land. In response to a right to information (RTI) application filed by Sambhal-based lawyer Satya Prakash Yadav, ASI also said it held no documents identifying the landowner at the time of the mosque's construction, said to be in 1526. Yadav had sought details about the Mughal-era mosque's origins, including whether it replaced any prior ruins, the name of the landowner at the time and documentary proof granting ownership rights. In its written reply, the ASI stated that "no such information is available in this office." HT has seen a copy of the RTI response. The applicant also asked about the nature of structures present at the site when it was taken under government protection, any subsequent constructions and records of past disputes linked to the mosque. ASI responded that it had no such information on file. Tension has simmered in the Uttar Pradesh town since November 2024 when a civil court directed the advocate commissioner to conduct a survey of the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid on a suit filed by Hindu groups that the Islamic structure was built after demolishing a temple. The survey triggered clashes, resulting in the deaths of four people. Located in the heart of the city in the Kotgarvi locality, the Shahi Jama Masjid is an important religious and historical site for the Muslim community. It is believed to have been constructed in the 16th century by Mir Hindu Beg, a Mughal general. The mosque is a protected monument notified on December 22, 1920. During the first RTI appeal proceedings, the agency cited a 2018 incident to clarify regulatory enforcement at the monument. It stated that no new construction is permitted within the protected area of a centrally protected monument and disclosed that an allegedly illegal steel railing was being erected at the site that year. The department said it had issued orders to halt the work. On the question of the mosque's construction period, ASI said its records indicate that it was built in 1526 and referred to supporting material. It also noted that the structure was protected under the same name since it was brought under its care in 1920 through a gazette notification. Responding to another query, ASI stated that the structure "at present. exists as a mosque." During the hearing on February 23, the appellant argued that key information was wrongly denied on grounds of non-availability. ASI maintained that it provided all material on record and could not be compelled to create or collect information it does not maintain. Finding no grounds for further intervention, the commission dismissed the appeal, holding that the ASI's replies -- including its statement of having no records on whether the mosque was built over ruins or vacant land -- were in accordance with the law....